For as long as there have been Black people, there have been Black LGBTQ/same gender loving (SGL) people. Disappointingly, because we face the additional barriers that come with homophobia, transphobia and fear and hatred of things not “traditional” or “heterosexual,” that truth is often hidden or erased altogether. And as it relates to the transgender community, far too often, we find ourselves speaking of injustices—from discrimination to disproportionate health risks, and too often, violence.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 22, 2018) – The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS, released the following statement in recognition of the eighth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which continues to face attacks led by the Republican Majority in Congress and the White House.

From pulling down the Confederate flag at the Columbia, S.C. statehouse after all those years of inflicting pain, winning a number of political office campaigns including the recent Atlanta mayoral seat, and stepping out of the shadows and into the forefront of the “Me Too” movement, Black women have led the charge on many issues that affect our communities with their #BlackGirlMagic.

Yet, despite the leaps women - especially Black women - have made over countless hurdles, an issue that continues to affect them at disproportionate rates is HIV/AIDS.

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS, released the following statement in response to reports exposing the Department of Education’s decision to no longer investigate or take action on complaints filed by transgender students who are banned from restrooms that match their gender identity.

“When the architects of our Republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which EVERY American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that ALL men [and women] – yes, black men as well as white men – would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this... " - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On this day, all around America, we celebrate one of the greatest civil rights leaders in history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Some of the most memorable and moving lines from one of his most celebrated and profound speeches given in Washington, DC – “I Have a Dream” – will be read on airwaves, posted on social media and shared across media throughout this country.

Growing up, I rarely saw people who looked like me, who showed up in the world as I did—equally proud of and settled into their Blackness as well as their queerness. For me, this meant embracing same-gender attraction as a fundamental part of who I am and how I move through the world.

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is soliciting applications from interested interns and fellows desiring to learn about and lead in the movement to improve the lives of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and same gender loving (SGL) people. The internship/fellowship program provides a unique opportunity to students, and young and emerging professionals, interested in civil rights and LGBTQ equality to explore the unique intersections between and among these related efforts.

As the world pauses on World AIDS Day 2017, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) joins the efforts to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS, and remember those who have died. To honor this day, NBJC’s Director of Public Policy, Isaiah Wilson, has penned a passionate call to action op-ed for Black America to take up the fight to end HIV/AIDS by centering those most impacted in our communities. As a person living with HIV while working to expand the movement of justice for all Black people, including Black LGBTQ and same gender loving people, Isaiah’s words are a sharp reminder of the progress we have made and the work that is still urgently required to end the epidemic within Black people and families.

On this 29th Anniversary of World AIDS Day (#WAD2017), the National Black Justice Coalition pauses to honor those that have died from HIV/AIDS, support those that presently live with the disease, and call all people to action to prioritize ending the spread of HIV/AIDS in our world. The universal theme for this year is: “Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability and Partnerships.”